WINTER IS A GOOD TIME FOR BIRD VIEWING IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

A variety of birds are spending the winter in southern Nevada, and now is a great time for viewing waterfowl, raptors and other winter migrants, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

“When areas to the north of us become frozen, birds migrate into warmer areas such as southern Nevada. Here they can find food and land and ponds that are not frozen,” said Cris Tomlinson, NDOW supervising biologist.

He said that several areas near Las Vegas are now good for bird viewing. These include the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Clark County Wetlands Park, Lake Mead and Pahranagat Valley in southern Lincoln County.

Tomlinson said that the 147-acre viewing preserve that is operated by the City of Henderson is an excellent location for seeing a variety of birds. Some of the birds now frequenting the area are golden eagles, a variety of hawks and canvasback, wood, redhead, bufflehead and cinnamon teal ducks. Other birds that can be seen in winter at the preserve are Abert’s towhees, ruby-crowned kinglets, great blue herons and greater yellow legs.

The viewing preserve is located at 2400 Moser Street in Henderson and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission fee. For information call (702) 267-4180.

Visitors to the Clark County Wetlands Park can observe pied-billed grebes, great blue herons, Gambel’s quail, roadrunners, loggerhead shrikes and a variety of ducks and geese. The 130-acre park is located at 7050 East Tropicana Ave. and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (702) 455-7522.

Although viewing can be difficult, Lake Mead is home during the winter months to such migrants as bald and golden eagles. Also found in the upper end of the lake’s Overton Arm are common loons, red-shouldered hawks and a variety of waterfowl.

Pahranagat Valley is a good place to see bald and golden eagles that like to perch in cottonwood trees around Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. It is located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas along U.S. 93.

Tomlinson said that Floyd Lamb State Park and Sunset Park are also good areas for viewing birds and other wildlife during winter.

Good binoculars or a spotting scope is necessary for observing birds from a distance. Photographing the birds requires a camera with a long lens. Warm clothes, sunscreen and plenty of water also are recommended for winter bird viewing.

NDOW biologists will be conducting raptor surveys during the month of January, so they can provide current information on locations where eagles and hawks are being seen. To obtain the information, contact NDOW weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (702) 486-5127.

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